'We knew him as a neighbor': Marin remembers Robin Williams

News of actor and comedian Robin Williams' death spread quickly Monday through Marin County, where college classmates and friends in the entertainment industry remembered him for his quick wit and kindness.

James Dunn, drama professor at College of Marin, taught Williams for three years. He said Williams' first role in one of the plays he directed was a non-speaking part that involved carrying a spear. From there he went on to play many speaking roles for the college.

"I first knew he was more talented than the other kids when he played Fagin in 'Oliver!' We were having light board issues and by midnight had only made it through half the musical. At one point he started talking to a baton he was carrying, and the baton talked back. It cut the tension and he had people laughing in hysterics. I remember calling my wife at 2 a.m. and telling her that this young man was going to be something special," Dunn said.

He said he hadn't spoken to Williams in quite some time, but that for many years Williams had supported a theater scholarship at the college. He said his former student was sweet and kind.

"I will miss him immensely," Dunn said.

Jeffrey Trotter, artistic director at Independent Cabaret Productions in San Francisco, first met Williams in 1976 at the college. The two were in a show together and Trotter remembers Williams' antics.

"He would climb into this tree outside the theater and yell at the top of his lungs, 'Woman, I want a woman,'" Trotter said. "His death is a phenomenal loss of a great artist."

For Lucy Mercer, executive artistic director of 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, Williams' death came as a huge blow. The two were close friends and often mingled with local comedians.

"Robin warmed the hearts of all those who had the good fortune of being in his presence. He embodied what it meant to be humble. He doused us in his love and positive glow and never asked for anything in return. He spent many Tuesday evenings backstage and onstage — encouraging the younger generation of comics to believe in the craft and find their unique voice," Mercer said in a statement.

Comedian Michael Pritchard, of San Rafael, took to his Facebook page to express his grief, writing an open letter to his deceased friend.

"Dear Robin, it was a joy to watch you, an honor to meet you, and I thank you for all you've given us. I wish your spirit peace and abundance. I knew you struggled, and I am sorry you hurt so chronically, amidst the joy you gave others. I am glad to know how much you were loved by those around you. Be at peace, dear man," Pritchard wrote.

In the community

Mark Jaeger, a ceramics teacher at Marin Catholic High School in Kentfield, met Williams through Williams' wife of three years, Susan Schneider, who curates art shows at 142 Throckmorton Theatre. Schneider's two sons were scheduled to take Jaeger's introduction to ceramics class when school starts Thursday.

Jaeger said Williams was a big supporter of his work and the first to purchase a huge clay head from his superhero sculpture series, which featured everyday people as superheroes.

"We were actually talking about turning the superhero concept into a movie script. This idea of a superhero homeless person, goes out at night and does good deeds and takes care of people in need. I said, 'Robin, I'm enthused. I love the idea that it could be a movie but I don't know how to do that,' and he said, 'Oh, you just jot down some notes on a piece of paper.' And I said, 'Then what?' and he said, don't worry, I'll take care of it. I'll connect you with the right people and we can go through this process and I'll help you through the process," Jaeger said. "He was so generous. Every time I talked to him, he had such a humility. I'm a nobody, and he made me feel like my work is important."

San Rafael resident Danny Click, singer and songwriter with Danny Click and the Hell Yeahs!, also felt that Williams made him feel important. Though they only met once, Click said it was a wonderful experience.

"It was an amazing meeting. He came to see us play at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre on New Year's Eve a few years ago. I was shocked that he was at my show," Click said.

Williams was backstage and lauded the group's music, while also telling jokes a mile a minute.

"He was funny all the time," Click said. "He was so gracious and kind that night."

'Just really kind'

Outside his home in Tiburon, neighbors and fans gathered Monday to remember Williams — some leaving flower bouquets near the house's front gate.

Neighbor Cynthia Harrison-Wallach and her daughter Katie, 15, live a few doors down and said they were shocked to learn of his death. While they hadn't seen him for a couple of weeks, they often saw him walking his dog or riding his bike. "We knew him as a neighbor. He was a very sweet man," Harrison-Wallach.

Katie agreed, saying Williams loved their golden retriever and was always sweet. "He was just really kind," she said.

Cheryl Lipsky, 55, of Corte Madera, was driving home with her niece Sarah Santana, 24, of Paramus, N.J., when Lipsky's husband sent her a text about Williams' death. They decided to drive to the Tiburon home to see what was going on.

She said they used to visit his Sea Cliff house on Halloween. "Instead of candy, they used to give out glow sticks to the kids," Lipsky said. "I'm freaked out because he's my generation. It's just really sad."

Santana agreed.

"He's loved across so many generations. Think of all the movies, like 'Mrs. Doubtfire.'"